Republican Steve Hilton has advanced to the November election and will face Democrat Xavier Becerra in the general race, according to a projection by The Associated Press on Tuesday. Although ballots are still being counted, the AP said Hilton built a lead that third-place finisher Tom Steyer, a Democrat, cannot overcome in the final tally.
Hilton’s path reflects both the strength of his campaign and the unusual political landscape in California, where Republicans have struggled for decades to win statewide office. The state has not elected a Republican to statewide office in 20 years, making Hilton’s advance notable even in a deeply Democratic state. He enters the next phase of the campaign with the backing of President Donald Trump, an endorsement that could energize conservative voters but also create a challenge in a state where Trump remains unpopular with many voters.
Hilton has sought to tap into broader frustration among Californians, especially over the pace and process of the state’s vote counting. He has criticized California’s prolonged ballot-counting system, a recurring flashpoint in elections that often take days or even weeks to fully resolve. That message appears to have resonated with enough voters to put him in position for a showdown with Becerra in November.
The race now moves to the general election, where the contrast between the candidates is likely to sharpen. Becerra, a Democrat, will benefit from California’s strong blue tilt and the state’s large Democratic electorate. Hilton, meanwhile, will aim to build on his momentum by framing himself as an outsider and a critic of Sacramento politics, while also leveraging national Republican support.
The AP projection came while election officials continued processing remaining ballots. Even so, the result was clear enough for Hilton to secure his place in the November contest. The third-place finish by Steyer ended his bid and confirmed that the contest would move forward as a head-to-head race between Hilton and Becerra.
The outcome sets up a high-profile general election in one of the country’s most politically significant states. California’s statewide races often draw national attention because of the state’s size, influence, and role in shaping broader political trends. Hilton’s advance, despite the state’s Democratic dominance, underscores the potential for voter dissatisfaction and turnout dynamics to alter expectations.
With the primary stage effectively decided, both campaigns now turn toward November, where turnout, party loyalty, and the political mood in California will determine the final result.
